Gel Nails Acrylic Nails

Just the Basics about Acrylic Nails

Acrylics nails are currently more popular than gel nails, but they have been around longer so that makes sense. Acrylics can be whole or partial, used over the entire nail or simply as tips. A mixture of liquid acrylic (monomer) and polymer, which is an acrylic powder, is applied to the nail. It hardens on its own fairly quickly, usually within minutes.

Just the Basics about Gel Nails

There are two current types of gel nails: light cured and no-light gels. A gel nail is typically a pre-mixed polymer and monomer gel that is first applied to the nails and then cured under ultra-violet lights. Light cured are still more common, but the advantage to no-light gel nails is less time waiting in the light. There's also the added benefit of not needing that piece of equipment (the light).

No-light gel nails are cured with a special gel activator that is brushed or sprayed onto the nail. Some are cured by being dipped in plain water.

Gel Nails, Acrylic Nails…Which is Better?

Gel and acrylic nails have similar results. They can lengthen short nails, strengthen nails, and make your hands look how you’d like them to. There are some various pros and cons that might help you decide which the right choice is for you. If gel nails, acrylic nails, and other choices are overwhelming you, then one thing you can always do is speak with a nail technician (manicurist) who can help you make a wise decision that will fit your needs.

As far as finishing touches, you can paint either type or do French tips on either. Some people think that airbrushing looks much better on gel nails because they are shinier, but when it comes to looks people vary in their tastes. You can look at photos of different types of nails at Next Nail which should give you an idea of the look of artificial nails you want.

If you’re looking for safety information about monomers, polymers, and other manicure agents then visit the Food & Drug Administration's page on nail product regulations.

Pros of Acrylic Nails

• If you break an acrylic nail you can almost always fix it temporarily and rather easily yourself.
• The removal process is simple and straightforward if done by a professional. The nails can be soaked rather than filed off.
• Acrylics are very strong. When done correctly and good nail care is practiced, they can last a long time. They’re robust!

Pros of Gel Nails

• Gel nails often look more natural and glossy than other types of cosmetic nails.
• The curing time is faster than acrylics, sometimes clocking in at just two minutes when light-curing is done.
• Gel nail mixtures are odorless.
• There is less filing involved during the application process.

Cons of Acrylic Nails

• They can damage your real nails in a harsher manner than gel nails can.
• Acrylics can look fake instead of natural and they can look even worse when done incorrectly.
• It can be hard to grow out acrylic nails.

Cons of Gel Nails

• They don’t last as long and are less durable than acrylic, even though they tend to cost more.
• Gel nails are harder to do yourself if you like to do home manicures.
• It’s been noted that nail polish won’t stick to the gel finish as well as it does to an acrylic finish.
• If a gel nail breaks, you may be in for some trouble. It can sometimes be more of a shatter effect than a clean break, so self-fixing a break is not usually an option. You’ll need to make an appointment right away with your manicurist. Sometimes they do break cleanly; basic nail glue could be used in that case.
• Gel nails almost always need to be filed off. You can’t just soak them away.

There are so many variables when it comes to gel nails, acrylic nails, natural nails and everything in between that your best bet is always to go to a trusted tail technician. Ask your friends who they use or call the Better Business Bureau before going to a shop. Sometimes the only difference between gel and acrylic is how they’ve been applied, so you want to hire a professional you can trust.